Storm Surge Inundation in
Groton, Connecticut
Michael Riveglia
18
of Groton’s 28 census block groups would be affected by the storm surge of a
category 4 hurricane with approximately
25,318
people directly or indirectly affected.
Western Groton contains many
densely populated blocks, some of
which also have a high total
population, relative to other blocks
touched by storm surge zones.
Some block groups in central and
northeast Groton have a large
population spread over a large area,
while eastern Groton contains some
blocks of moderately high
population density with lower total
population estimates.
How Many People are at Risk?
Data and Methodology for Determining the Population at Risk
National Guard
Readiness Center
Groton-New
London Airport
Flooding may limit
access to the UConn
Avery Point Campus.
The Groton Long Point area has a population of
about 500 people, with the greatest number of
residents occupying their homes during summer.
The western portion of the Poquonock
Bridge village contains a cluster of
households which may flood during the
event of category 3-4 hurricane.
Where is the Risk?
The Mystic and Thames rivers lead
to flooding in the western and eastern
sides of Groton respectively.
However, southern Groton is affected
the most.
Given the proximity of most rail
lines to bodies of water, some
segments of track may be flooded
from as mild as a category 1
hurricane.
Additionally, motorists may have
difficulty traversing the portions of
major roadways which cross the
Thames and Mystic rivers.
The Pequot Health Center could be an
aid station due to its central location,
close proximity to major roadways, and
stockpile of medical supplies.
The Ella T Grasso High School, Groton
Middle school, and Robert E Fitch
Senior High School may also work due
to their close proximity to US Highway
1 and affected zones.
For residents of western Groton, the
Thames River Magnet School may
work as an aid station due to its close
proximity to the major category 2 surge
zone next to it.
Where Should Aid Stations be Placed?
Data and Methodology for Determining Aid Stations
Sources
Basemap: Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA
Storm Surge Inundation: CT DEEP https://ct-deep-gis-open-data-website-
ctdeep.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/CTDEEP::ct-hurricane-surge-inundation/explore, Published 4/1/19, Last
updated 3/25/21
Minor roads, train routes, highways (2022): US Census TIGER shapefiles (https://www.census.gov/cgi-
bin/geo/shapefiles/index.php)
Census Block Groups (2021): https://www.census.gov/geographies/mapping-files/time-series/geo/tiger-
data.2021.html
CT Town Boundaries: https://ct-deep-gis-open-data-website-ctdeep.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/CTDEEP::ct-
vicinity-town-polygon/explore, Published and last updated 10/30/19
Population Data: 2017-2020 5-year American Community Survey